As I mentioned in the TLDR, I have literally never met any member who is currently or has been on the Board of Regents as of the date I upload this website. I do not know them personally. 

 

I disagree with a number of their decisions. Because of the limited transparency, I could not tell you why they chose what they did. I have nothing against any of them personally, which is why I'm not going to name any of them or single them out specifically. They may be lovely people. 

 

I also want to give credit where credit is due. Recently, they have made some positive changes, some of which I noted on the main education page. In more detail, they have: 

 

• Made broader changes to credits for work experience program (CPL - Credit for prior learning)

  • Positives: changes the previous program from test only credit to include certifications, licenses, portfolios and military service. Also makes sure AP, CLEP and IB exams are accepted system wide. 

  • Negatives: none​​

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• Incorporating low cost and no cost materials instead of text books

  • Positives: : Making the text book cost for some classes more affordable

  • Neutral: These are only specific classes that are marked as such in each school’s catalog. It does not include any lab fees or equipment

  • It was done to comply with legislation for new policies in Assembly Bill 345, not as a stand alone policy with the students in mind

  • NSHE Regents Approve New Policy to Expand Access to No-Cost and Low-Cost Course Materials  – NSHE System Administration 

  • Negatives: There are still problems...(the poster has not named the instructor, so this is not calling out a specific individual. This is also not the first time I've seen this complaint.)​

• Dual Enrollment

  • Positives: Reduced the cost for high school students to take college credit classes 

  • Neutral: May still be difficult for some to afford, transportation difficulties

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• Accepting CLEP for college credits

  • Positives: Allows students and continuing education students to test for college credit, always available

  • Negatives: $97 per test, no conversion table to know which classes each test will be substituted for, no list of minimum scores 

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• Online Course Sharing Exchange

  • Positives: Proposed lowering costs for institutions by sharing online learning resources, allow students with limited access to classes needed to graduate more options

  • Negatives: Not currently in practice. They are still “exploring the feasibility” of the plan. If enacted, participation would be voluntary, still limiting the offerings available.

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• Creating “Common” course numbering - Creating course numbers for equivalent courses- should make transferring credits easier. 

• Positives: Helps students understand which courses are transferable

• Negatives: There’s no system wide map for students who are laying the foundation for a degree, nor are they any kind of general education “packaging” or shared descriptions for classes that should be 1:1

 

They have at least made a few changes, but this system moves very slowly. Problems are discussed, but sometimes never addressed again, or completed reports have no follow up or action taken. In my opinion, the positives don't outweigh the negatives on the total outcome.